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Platty; the Fearless Pup.

"Platty - smiling as always"

Human nature is often maligned by media; ignoring the countless stories of compassion, over each solitary case of neglect, and making the
exception out to be the rule. It is a form of journalism I find frustrating,
as it is both an unfair reflection of reality, and does little more than induce weariness upon one another; when our lives exist to love and connect, not fear and
disband.

I write this paragraph, as recently a friend of mine brought to my
attention an inspirational story, which proves human compassion is as alive and well as it's ever
been. And how – while a few unfortunate accounts of neglected dogs do exist, the vast majority are loved unconditionally, by souls as pure as the animals they care for. To prove this point, I would like to introduce you to the story of Platty; the Fearless
Pup…

In early January of 2014, a beautiful 10-year-old Golden
Retriever was dumped outside the Tulsa Animal Welfare Shelter, in mid-western Oklahoma, in the United States. Who committed such a cruel, heartless act, was a question
nobody could answer. But why they did, was most likely due to his debilitating health. Poor Platty was suffering from a large, cancerous growth on his nose
(hence his name – in reference to a unique resemblance to the Platypus), and appeared close to passing over at any day. Literally being left to die alone and afraid, it was a fate no living being should ever have to endure.

As is often with the power of humanity, it wouldn’t take long for another to discover the sheer wonder of Platty. Alli Elmore - a volunteer
at the shelter, fell in love with him in an instant, and decided if these
were to be his last days, a happy home around loving people to care for, offer attentions, and feed him copious
amounts of his favourite Cheez
Whiz, was a much more appropriate way to spend these precious moments. Coupled with re-homing the poorly fella, Alli and family created the Platty
Memorial Fund; in order to raise money for animal rescues, or those with special
needs. As this story of his difficult journey grew, the initial $5,000target set, had reached well over $11.000; and
continues to grow each day.

"With singer, Carrie Underwood"

Yet still they wanted to help extend his life as much as possible. On taking Platty for a biopsy, his initial diagnosis was
grim; the growth was deemed cancerous, and had metastasised into his lungs. As hard as it was to accept, time for
Platty seemed very short. However, seeking a further, in-depth opinion,
an oncologist determined his illness was in fact a Maxillary Fibrosarcoma; a form of cancer which - while
aggressive, was at the very least, localised. More importantly - besides discovering a separate, benign tumour in his spleen - which was eventually removed, the disease had not spread to his lungs, as initially believed; leaving rays of sunlight to shine through an array of dark clouds. While never fully clear of cancer, Platty was also no longer an abandoned dog on the streets, but a well-loved family member - and this is where he finds himself, at the present time.

Unfortunately, the size and aggressive nature of the cancer, leaves full removal as an impossible option. However, this week,
Platty begins low-dose radiation treatments, in hope it will shrink the tumour, and allow him to share as much time as possible in this world, with those who love him dearly - and to keep smiles on every last face of the ever expanding
well-wishers, of his 20,000 strong Facebook page.

Human nature is often maligned by media; but in reality, is a far warmer proposition. The exception is neglect, the rule is love. While the story of
Platty began with the irresponsibility of one human being, it has continued and
grown through the love and compassion of every last person,
touched by his brave, incredible journey; this writer included. What could have resulted in another case
of an innocent creature dying alone upon a deserted land, has become a source of inspiration, a story of hope, and form of proof that goodness is alive and well in the human race, as much as it forever remains in the animal kingdom. Please send Platty
a message of support; every source of positive energy keeps him going another day longer, and keeps the sun shining, another day brighter…

14 comments:

What a wonderful inspirational story about Platty..goes to prove there are good people out there who do extraordinary things. Hooray for Platty..left to die and now enjoying life to its fullest and being cared for by those who love him and those he loves.

In spite of this cowardly act done to Platty, he did rise above it! The power of Love and caring is amazing! Platty and those who are caring for you, I thank you. I am sending healing energy for a positive outcome along with warm hugs! All the best! xoxoxoxxo

I have been following Platty since almost the beginning of his new life. I love him with all my heart and am so happy that this story was written for him. His new parents are great people and so is grandma Karel. I love you baby boy. #Platty

I have been following Platty since almost the beginning of his new life. I love him with all my heart and am so happy that this story was written for him. His new parents are great people and so is grandma Karel. I love you baby boy. #Platty